Overview & Reviews

The Kia Sportage has never been one for small evolutionary changes. Originally a cheap, poorly made penalty box followed by a solid, yet utterly forgettable bargain-price SUV, today's Sportage is now a stylish and well-rounded compact crossover SUV. In human terms, the Kia Sportage has gone from a baboon to a Neanderthal and then George Clooney in the span of 15 years.

While the second-generation Sportage might be a cost-effective but rather uninspired used car choice, the current version stands out from the crowd in more ways than just looks. Thanks to its excellent build quality, stronger performance and generous array of features, it's far and away the most appealing Sportage yet. This third-generation Kia model remains on the small side among compact crossovers, however, and as such is a better choice for singles or those with small families.

Current Kia Sportage
The Kia Sportage is available in LX, EX and SX trim levels. The LX and EX have a 2.4-liter making 182 horsepower, while the SX gets a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine making an impressive 260 hp. All Sportages come with a six-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive offered as an option.

Standard equipment for the Sportage LX includes alloy wheels, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, air-conditioning, a height-adjustable driver seat, cruise control, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and a sound system with satellite radio, a CD player and an iPod/USB audio interface. Stepping up to the upper trims gets you bigger wheels, LED running lights, keyless entry, a telescoping wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated seats, leather upholstery, a rearview camera, a navigation system and Kia's Uvo voice activation system. Optional features include power-folding sideview mirrors, a panoramic sunroof, a navigation system, leather upholstery, ventilated front seats and keyless ignition and entry.

The Sportage's interior features attractive styling. And though there is quite a bit of hard plastic, it's well-textured and build quality is good. Passengers and driver alike benefit from well-contoured seats and adequate head- and legroom. The rear seat comfortably accommodates two average-size adults, and the seatback reclines but doesn't slide. In terms of cargo capacity, the Sportage comes up a bit short in cargo space, too, offering a maximum of 26.1 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 54.6 cubes with the 60/40-split-folding seats laid flat. Bigger competitors boast as many as 73 cubes.

On the road, the Kia Sportage lives up to its name with its sharp steering and athletic handling that make it more engaging than most other compact crossovers. The downside is that taut suspension tuning means a bit of a stiff-legged ride over rough pavement and washboard highways. Power from the four-cylinder engine is simply adequate, but at least the automatic transmission shifts smoothly and quickly. The SX's engine delivers a healthy dose of acceleration and is a worthy alternative to the V6s and four-cylinder turbos found in competing crossovers.

Used Kia Sportage Models
The current Kia Sportage debuted in the 2011 model year and represents the third generation in the model's history. Trim levels and powertrains mirrored the current version with a few exceptions. Up through 2013 there was a base model that came only with a six-speed manual gearbox. Tweaks for 2012 brought improved handling, additional sound insulation (for a quieter cabin) and the introduction of the Uvo voice activation system. Also, these Sportages lack the newest version's updates, which include refreshed styling, a more powerful (182 hp versus 176 hp) 2.4-liter engine, improved navigation and sound systems, rear-seat air vents and updated Uvo telematics services.

The previous, second-generation Kia Sportage was launched for 2005 and ran until 2010. Considerably different from the previous generation, this Sportage featured a new unibody platform shared with the Hyundai Tucson (just as the current model does). Compared to the current Sportage, though, this generation was a bit bigger in interior size but far plainer both in design and interior material quality. There were no significant changes made during this generation.

There were two trim levels: LX and EX. Both trims are equipped with a healthy list of standard amenities, such as alloy wheels, air-conditioning, full power accessories, tinted glass and a six-speaker CD stereo. Satellite radio as well as auxiliary and USB audio jacks were added for 2009.

The LX was powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine capable of 140 hp. It came standard with a five-speed manual transmission, and a four-speed automatic was available as an option. Most Sportages with this engine were front-wheel drive, though Kia did offer all-wheel drive on manual transmission-equipped models. As an upgrade for the Sportage LX and standard on the EX, Kia offered a 173-hp 2.7-liter V6. It came standard with the automatic transmission and could be had with front-drive or all-wheel drive.

This Sportage might not have looked too big from the outside, but the interior had plenty of headroom and legroom, both in the front and the back. The rear seats split and folded flat for a level cargo floor and a maximum of 67 cubic feet of storage. Fit and finish was OK and materials quality was on the cheap side. Safety was a strong suit for this Sportage, with strong crash scores and a full complement of airbags, stability control and four-wheel antilock disc brakes.

In reviews, our editors found that this Sportage did few things poorly, but it failed to stand out in a segment where its competitors did things exceptionally well. Its dull styling and drab cabin did it no favors, while both its engines were unimpressive from both a power and fuel economy standpoint.

The Kia Sportage started life in 1995 as a body-on-frame compact SUV. Though it was one of the first such vehicles of its kind, it was too small and underpowered to compete with the roomier, more carlike mini-utes that Honda, Subaru and Toyota rolled out shortly thereafter. The base Sportage came with a meager 94-hp, 2.0-liter SOHC four-cylinder. Rear-wheel drive and a five-speed manual transmission were standard. Kia also offered a part-time 4WD version of the base trim. The 4x4 Sportage came with a twincam 2.0-liter four-cylinder good for 139 hp. A better-equipped EX trim came standard with 4WD and the more powerful engine. A four-speed automatic transmission was an option on all 4WD models.

Kia eliminated the single-cam engine in 1997, leaving all trims equipped with the twincam engine, now rated for 130 hp. That same year, Kia began offering the four-speed automatic on 2WD models.

In 1998, Kia added a two-door convertible to the Sportage lineup. It was available with both drivetrains (2WD and 4WD). After that, there were no more significant changes to the Kia Sportage, only minor face-lifts and interior modifications. The final year of production was 2002. Buyers should generally avoid these early models, as they weren't able to match the levels of comfort, performance and fit and finish offered by competing models of the same time period.

User Reviews:

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  Kia Sportage - 2005 Kia Sportage
  By tarverct - January 14 - 7:00 am

  Great around town...great mileage..plenty of room front and back compared to other SUV in its category. Great storage space with when lowering seats front passenger and back. Great features: sunroof, cruise control, MP3/CD, etc. No tire on back....under rear space.

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  Bargain car, Bargain performance - 2000 Kia Sportage
  By FDE - Savio - January 8 - 11:36 pm

  Going on one year with my 2000 Kia Sportage EX 4WD and I must say Im really pleased. Acceleration from 0 to 60 is slow (13.0 seconds), but once up to speed it handles well (thanks in part to the Lotus tuned suspension). If your Sportage lacks a limited slip rear differential you might lose grip in rain or snow, depending on the type of tires you have. I plan on installing a Phantom Grip LSD conversion in the front and rear differentials to help increase traction. Front hubs and bearings had to be replaced (common Sportage problem due to design); all repaired under warranty. Ive read other peoples "horror" stories, but glad to say I am 100% HAPPY with my Kia Sportage.

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  Give me back my Ford - 2011 Kia Sportage
  By Darrell D. Pratte - January 8 - 1:22 pm

  Took this car to the dealer cause it just did not seem like the turbo would kick in, never found anything wrong. They charge $85.00 every time to do a diagnostic check, and there is never any thing wrong. Then the engine threw a rod. Paid $6000.00 for a new short block. Then I got a letter in the mail telling me Kia is extending the warranty on the engine, cause they are blowing up. Im waiting to see if the company will refund the cost of the short block. Took the car to the dealer yesterday, something is wrong with the turbo. Its doing exactly what I described before the $6000.00 repair, and now its the turbo. I do not know if the problem is the car, the car company, the dealer, the mechanics, or just a little bit of all.

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  2005 Kia Sportage LX 2.7L V6 Automatic - 2005 Kia Sportage
  By pjwildes - December 25 - 11:58 pm

  Bought used 3 yrs ago with 48000 on it. Just turned 100,000. I have only needed to replace tires, brakes, & timing belt assembly recommended at 100,000, & rear wheel bearing. I love this little Sportage! Gets 18 to 24 mpg depending on winter or summer. I put tow package on it for my pop up camper, pulls easily. Issues I have is the parking lights burn out constantly, and the hatch door latches are somewhat stuck, odd. Runs great, its peppy! Regular oil changes & tire rotations are the only "maintenance" Ive had to perform. Wish it had a higher towing capacity for the V-6 but learned its because it has a light-duty rear axle. Cant speak for the newer Sportages, but this one is awesome!

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  Save the manuals! 2012 fwd manual - 2012 Kia Sportage
  By tnmtnsmike - December 23 - 4:54 am

  I recently bought a 2012 base FWD manual and could not be happier. I wanted the function of a suv with the driving dynamics of a car and didnt want/need to spend a fortune. I also wanted to row the gears myself. After comparisons of all vehicles that met my criteria, I decided on the sportage because of value, comfort, room, and the fun to drive factor. Plenty of storage, plenty of power - great standard features. I have 3000 miles and am very happy with comfort (im 63), mileage (avg 27 mixed driving) and the fact that im always asked about it when im out and about. So far, I have no complaints.

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  best around!!! - 2017 Kia Sportage
  By paul - December 17 - 6:24 pm

  Absolutely love this vehicle, did a lot of research, drove a lot of cars,this IS the small SUV to have, makes my commute so much better, base engine could be a little more powerful,but is more than adequate,has everything. Zero complaint s, I love it.

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  Trouble free - 2000 Kia Sportage
  By underdog - December 8 - 10:00 am

  I have 45000 miles on my little red 4x and have had no problems.Towed it to Alaska and use it for freeway driving.It is very noisy under the hood.Mostly belts and pulleys.Seats are firm but comfortable.Still have original tires and look good yet.Will go to larger tires next time.Velcro fastenes used to secure roof are getting a little loose.Its been a good car.Still looks like new.

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  Love My 2005 Sportage - 2005 Kia Sportage
  By Debbie - December 7 - 6:46 am

  Ive had my new 2005 KIA Sportage less than one week and I am very impressed with the roomy and very comfortable interior. Standard safety features and the 10 year/100,000 mile warranty were major factors in my decision to purchase this SUV. Standard features included traction and stability control as well as side curtain airbags for driver and passenger. The rear seats recline and fold down easily. The overall quality of this vehicle is very good.

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  Excellent - 2008 Kia Sportage
  By Kenny - November 30 - 5:10 pm

  I drove Honda-CRV and Toyota-RAV4. But I choose Kia-Sportage this time because of my budget which is $5,000 cheaper. I am not sure the durability of this car compared with the above Japanese cars. However,My Sportage has been better than CRV or RAV4. Sportage seems stronger and much more comfortable than CRV, and much less noisy than RAV4. I love my sportage so far.

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  Kia Sportages are TERRIBLE!! - 2001 Kia Sportage
  By DAYTON - November 14 - 2:00 am

  Check engine light on over and over... dealer can not tell us why. Vibrations at upon decleration at 40mph and acceleration at 60 mph. Trying to get a Kia rep to look at car for 6 months. Dealer NOT helpful!